Liberal Vision

D-Day 21st June

In THE shortest speach ever…the Speaker has announced that he will stand down on 21st June. Bit of an anti-climax.. but one more obstacle has been removed. This is an important step in the road to cleaning up Westminster. Now the focus will switch back to the MPs, the party leaders and of course, what the Met Police decide to do…

Met police NOT to investigate leaks

The Met Police has today announced that they will not investigate those responsible for the LEAKING of MP expenses to The Telegraph. So the Telegraph can rest a little easier…. 

MPs can’t. The Met Police  are still in discussions with the CPS concerning prosecutions of MPs who may have broken the law concerning expenses.

How the tide has turned.

Speaker Martin “understood” to be stepping down

Rumours are arife that Michael Martin will quit his post this afternoon, with the BBC rather tentatively stating:

“STV reported that he will make the announcement to MPs at 1430 BST – but the report has not been confirmed.”

More soon.

Breaking news: The Speaker’s not for going

A ludicrous statement from the Speaker today. An ackowledgement that the House has let the country down.  A declaration that ALL are to blame. A sincere apology for his part in that. A call to meet with the leaders of all parties (including “minority parties” ) to agree expenses reform. A request that no further claims are submitted until blah blah blah….

The House was hostile. The MPs angry. There were questions about when the House will be allowed to debate the vote of no confidence. There were questions about if and when he will indicate his retirement. All “batted away”. He simply refused to entertain any discussion about his own future.

MPs were not happy – understandably. An extraordinary low point in UK politics.

UPDATE: BEST COMMENT OF THE THE DAY FROM NORMAN BAKER…”THE SPEAKER JUST SIGNED HIS OWN POLITICAL DEATH WARRANT”

Breaking News: Nick Clegg calls for Speaker to go

The LibDem leader has called on Michael Martin to go as Speaker, and the story is the top item on the BBC.

According to today’s BPIX poll, 54% think Martin should resign and only 13% think he should stay.

A  bold move, and one which puts Cameron in a tight spot – especially given the Tory leader’s expressed, albeit equivocal, support for the Speaker last week.

UPDATE: Conservative Home are saying that David Cameron should follow suit and press for Martin’s removal.